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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Pairing Lamps with Shades

I have this very good friend that did not have one single lamp in her entire home until last year. So I am thinking that maybe there are others out there that just aren't sure what to purchase. I stumbled across this fantastic series on Southern Accents website that offers fantastic info on styles. Enjoy!

Lampshade LessonsWhether you are purchasing new lamps or just want to freshen the look of the ones you have, the right shade makes all the difference. "For some of us, nothing makes a greater impact in a room than a properly chosen lampshade," says Stephanie Reeves, owner of Edgar-Reeves Lighting & Antiques in Atlanta."Scale, shape, fabric, trim, and lining all need to be carefully considered. It is a subtle but important element of a well-put-together room--almost as important as the lamp itself. The entire mood of a room can be altered by the addition of the right lampshade, the right light, and the right amount of it."

Urn LampThis shape goes back to the time of the Greeks. The glass base makes it versatile. It could work in a living room or library with a silk shade, on a porch with a card (paper) shade, or as a focal point in a kitchen. Because of its strong color, it could give punch to a room by itself or complement an overall design as a pair.Oval knife-pleat shade in silk. The cream silk provides warm, beautiful light. If you want a little more pizzazz, put a trim on the shade.

For the Formal SettingKnife-pleat shade with cut corners in silk. This combination would be found in a formal room or in a spot where a really special lamp is needed.

Clean LinesRectangular hard-back shade in silk. The straight lines of the shade complement the clean lines of the lamp. The combination looks sharp and chic.

Candlestick LampCandlestick lamps are most effective in pairs. They can be used either on the same surface, such as a chest or tabletop, or separately on two surfaces that are smaller and somewhat close together.Rectangular shade with cut corners in linen. Strong, clean lines present a traditional face. A contemporary fabric would make it look more current.

New Look, Antique StyleSquare shade in sheer silk. The compact size with accentuated height balances well with the shape and gives an update to an antique style.

Feminine DetailsKnife-pleat shade in silk with collar. This feminine detailing goes well in a bedroom or dressing room. The round shape reflects the round base.

Vintage Tin LampWe find it more interesting to pair round and square than to put a square shade on a square base. Notice how the shade hits above the cap and does not rest on the top of the base.Oval knife-pleat shade in cream silk. This makes the lamp look a little larger and gives it a slightly edgy look.

Simple SilhouetteKnife-pleat drum shade in cream silk. We like the silhouette: straight lines that are well-proportioned.

Traditional LookBox-pleat shade in ecru silk. This shade is narrower than the first, giving the lamp a more traditional feel.

Stacked Spheres LampStacked spheres give the overall appearance of a column-shaped lamp. This one is made from wood, gesso, and silver gilt.Hard-back drum shade in natural linen. This shade gives the lamp a cool, clean, sophisticated feel and could work in a variety of spaces.

Reading LightHard-back half-shade in kraft paper with black trim. This architectural shade is great for reading, with light thrown from the top, bottom, and back.

Style SenseShirred shade with flat cut corners in sheer silk. The room where this lamp lives has a great sense of style. Nothing has been left to chance.

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Welcome to The Impeccable Nest. Interiors are my passion. I really enjoy seeking out new and interesting ways to make our everyday lives more beautiful, more inspiring, and more playful thru family friendly decorating. Please enjoy my ramblings, thoughts, and finds about all things drapery and design related.